Folding machine



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INVENTORS 323 LESLEY R. TUFTS 522 WALTER HOLMS zz/24m,

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Filed June 2, 1939 15. sheets sneet 15 VE NTORS.

IN LESLEY R TUFTS WALTER HOLMS ATTORN Patented Feb. 18, 1941 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFECE FOLDING MACHINE tion of New York Application June2, 1939, Serial No. 277,000

66 Claims.

This invention relates to folding machines and while capable of generaluse is more particularly adapted for folding printed sheets andproducing therefrom book, magazine or similar signatures.

One object of the present invention is to provide a folding machinehaving improved mechanism for folding printed sheets and producing aplurality of signatures from each printed and folded sheet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding machinehaving improved mechanism for folding printed sheets and producing fromeach printed and folded sheet a plurality of signatures certain of whichare inserted in others. I

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding machinehaving improved printed sheet folding and signature making andassociating mechanisms which may be selectively employed tosimultaneously produce from each printed sheet a plurality of signatureshaving either sixteen pages or thirty-two pages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding machinehaving improved folding mechanisms and adjustments therefor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding machinehaving improved sheet folding, signature-producing and signatureregistering or heading up devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding machinehaving improved sheet folding, signature producing, and signaturefeeding and packing mechanisms.

These and other objects of the present invention will appear from thefollowing description thereof and in order to more clearly understandsaid invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawingsillustrating one embodiment thereof.

In said drawings: 7

Figs. 1 and 1 are complementary side elevations of a folding machineembodying the present invention;

Figs. 2 and 2 are complementary vertical longitudinal sectional views ofthe folding machine shown in Figs. 1 and 1*.

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of folding mechanisms shown in Figs. 1 and 2*;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view, partly in section, of gearing and lockingmeans therefor shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the folding mechanismsshown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the folding machine shown in Figs. 1, 1and 2, 2

Fig. '7 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the outer foldingmechanisms shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of conveying, folding, and presser rollersshown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the conveying rollers shown in Figs. '7and 8;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the inner foldingmechanisms shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of conveying, folding,

and. presser rollers shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the conveying rollers shown in Figs. 10and 11;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged top plan view of registering or heading updevices shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged top plan view of signature delivering means shownin Figs. 1 2 and 6;

Fig. 15 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view on the line l5i5 ofFig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the signature delivering means shown inFigs. 14 and 15;

Fig. 17 is a transverse vertical sectional view on the line [1-H of Fig.14;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged top plan view of opera-ting mechanism for thepushers of signature packer boxes shown in Figs. 1 2, and 6;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged top plan View of one of the signature pushers andpacker boxes shown in Figs. 2 and 6;

Fig. 20 is a front elevation of the signature packer box shown in Fig.19;

Fig. 21 is a detail perspective view illustrating diagrammatically theoperations performed on a printed sheet to simultaneously producetherefrom four sixteen page signatures;

Fig. 22 is a detail perspective view illustrating diagrammaticallyoperations performed on a printed sheet to simultaneously producetherefrom two thirty-two page signatures;

Fig. 23 is a side elevation of slide and blade adjusting and guidingdevices; and

Fig. 24 is an enlarged detail cross section of one of the devices shownin Fig. 23.

In the drawingslike reference characters indicate like parts throughoutthe several views and referring first to Figs. 21 and 22 the sameillustrate diagrammatically the operations performed by the presentmachine upon a printed sheet to produce therefrom four sixteen pagesignatures or two thirty-two page signatures. In Fig. 21, for example,the sheet A initially has a first fold B made therein transverselythereof and is fed downwardly and then forwardly to a position wheresaid sheet has made therein transversely thereof, and through its doublethickness, a line of perforations C. The once folded and perforatedsheet is then fed forward a short distance (not indicated in Fi 21) to aposition where said sheet has made therein transversely thereof a secondfold D parallel with the first fold B.

Upon making of the second fold D the twice I folded sheet is feddownwardly and cut into four twice folded sections, the outer sectionsbeing indicated at I and the inner sections being indicated at 2. Theinner and outer sections I and 2 are then fed forwardly along upper andlower levels respectively to positions where said sections havesimultaneously made therein, at right angles to their other folds, thirdfolds indicated at E. The folds E form the backs of four sixteen pagesignatures produced when said folds are made in the sections l and 2,the two outer signatures being indicated at 3 and the two innersignatures being indicated at 4. Upon making of the folds E and formingof the sections l and '2 into signatures, the outer sixteen pagesignatures 3 and the inner sixteen page signatures 4 are fed downwardlyand then delivered to the inclined positions thereof shown at the bottomof Fig. 21.

In Fig. 22, for example, the procedure illustrated is the same asdescribed above in connection with Fig. 21 up to the formation andforward feeding of the twice folded outer and inner sheet sections I and2. Fig. 22, however, thereafter shows the procedure followed in themaking of two thirty-two page signatures from a printed sheet and inthis case the forwardly fed inner sheet sections 2 are fed from theirlower levels in opposite directions transversely of the machine andunder the forwardly fed outer sheet sections I then standing on theirupper levels. Thereupon the superposed sections I, 2 have the thirdfolds E simultaneously made therein at which time the sections areformed into sixteen page signatures and the two sixteen page signaturesproduced from-sections I are inserted in the two sixteen page signaturesproduced from sections 2 thus forming two thirty-two page signaturesindicated at 4'. Upon formation of the two thirty-two page signatures 4as described, they are fed downwardly and delivered to the inclinedpositions thereof shown at the bottom of Fig. 22.

Proceeding now with a detail description of the present machine, theparts thereof are mounted on a frame comprised by side members 5, 6 atone side of the machine and side members I, 8 at the opposite sidethereof (Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, 5 and 6). The frames 5 and I areconnected together at the front and rear thereof by cross members 9 andI0 bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto.

The frames 5 and I have their forward ends bolted or otherwise suitablysecured to the rear upper portions of the frames 6 and 8 and said frames6 and 8 are connected together at their upper forward portions by across member II bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto. I

The frames 5 and I have bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto atthe rear and bottoms thereof legs I2 and I3 which, in turn, have boltedor otherwise suitably secured thereto the rear ends of longitudinallyextending tie members I4 and I5 the forward ends of which are bolted orotherwise suitably secured to the rear bottom portions of the frames 6and 8. The legs I2 and I3 are connected together by a cross member I6bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto and the frames 6 and 8,which are provided with legs l7, l8 and I9, 20, are connected togetherby cross members 2l and 22 bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto.

The frame of the machine, comprised by the above described parts, may bebolted or otherwise suitably secured to the floor or other machinefoundation 23 where said machine is installed. The movable parts of themachine are operated by any suitable means herein shown as an electricmotor 24 (Fig. 1) supported on and secured to the forward end of tiemember 84 in any suitable manner. Electric current is supplied to themotor 24 from any suitable source and starting and stopping of the motorand all parts of the machine driven thereby is effected by a suitableswitch (not shown).

The armature shaft 25 of motor 24 has fixe thereon a small pulley 26around which passes a belt 2'! that also passes around a large pulley 28(Figs. 1 and 3), fixed on the main driving shaft 29 of the machine. Themain driving shaft 29 extends transversely of the machine and isjournalled in suitable bearings on the frames 6 and 8. This shaft 29 isalso journalled in any suitable manner in a center support 30 (Figs. 2and 3) that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the cross members2| and 22. Shaft 29 is provided on one end thereof with a hand wheel 3!by which said shaft and the parts driven therefrom may be turned over byhand for setting and adjustment purposes.

Printed sheets folded and made into signatures by the machine may be fedthereto in any suitable manner as, for example, by an automatic sheetfeeder (not shown) disposed at the rear of the machine and acting tofeed the sheets in succession to timed sheet conveying or feeding meanspreferably operated and comprised by the following instrumentalities.

Fixed on the shaft 29 exteriorly of frame 6 is a spur pinion 32 (Figs. 1and 3) which meshes I with a spur gear 33 that is also disposedexteriorly of frame 6. This spur gear 33 is journalled on a stub shaft34 secured in any suitable manner on frame 6 and projecting outwardlytherefrom to receive said gear. The spur gear 33, in turn, meshes with asimilar gear 35 also disposed exteriorly of frame 5 and fixed on a shortshaft 36 journalled in a suitable bearing on frame 6 and projectingoutwardly therefrom to receive said gear. Shaft 36 projects inwardlyfrom frame 6 and said shaft has fixed on its inwardly projecting end abevel gear 31. This bevel gear 31 meshes with a similar gear 38 that isfixed on one end of a horizontal shaft 39 journalled in suitablebearings on the frame 5 at the inner side thereof. Fixed on the oppositeend of shaft 39 is a bevel gear 40 (Fig. 1) which meshes with a similargear M. The bevel gear 4| is fixed on a driven shaft 42 extendingtransversely of the machine and journalled in suitable bearings on theframes 5 and 1 thereof.

Fixed on the driven shaft 42 is a gear 43 (Fig. 2) which meshes with agear 44 that is journalled on a stay shaft 45 near one end thereof.

tapes 48 which also pass around an idler roller 49 that extendstransversely of the machine and is journalled in suitable bearings onthe frames 5 and 1 thereof. The tapes 48 also pass over an idler rollerwhich extends transversely of the machine and has one end journalled inthe frame 5 thereof. The opposite end of idler roller 50 is journalledon an arm 51 that is fixed on the stay shaft 45 adjacent the frame I ofthe machine. The tapes 48 also pass around weighted tape tighteningrollers 52 journalled on arms 53 carrying tape tightening weights 54.The arms 53 are loosely mounted on a stay shaft 55 extendingtransversely of the machine and secured in any suitable manner on theframes 5 and 1 thereof.

Extending transversely of the machine near the top and rear thereof andbolted or otherwise suitably secured to the frames 5 and l is a stay bar55. Disposed in like manner adjacent the stay bar 58 at the rear thereofis a rock shaft 51 having fixed thereon arms 58 the free ends of whichhave journalled therein a cross shaft 59.

This cross shaft 59 has fixed thereon to rotate therewith timed droprollers 55 that cooperate with the feed roller 4! and the tapes 48 tofeed the sheets forwardly into the machine from the sheet feeder orother source of sheet supply.

Thedrop rollers 60 are raised and lowered at predetermined inteiyals intimed relation with feeding of the sheets into the machine and this ispreferably accomplished by the following instrumentalities. Fixed on thedriven shaft 42 near the frame 1 between the latter and the gear 45 is aspur pinion 6! (Fig. 2) which meshes with and drives a similar pinion62. The spur pinion 62 is journalled on a stub shaft 63 secured to theframe F in any suitable manner and said pinion meshes with a gear 64also located near the frame and fixed on a cam shaft 55. This cam shaft55 extends transversely of the machine and is journalled in suitablebearings on the frames 5 and 1 thereof. Fixed on the cam shaft 65 nearframe 5 and driven by said shaft is a cam 56 (Fig. 1) having engagedtherewith a roller 51 that is journalled on an arm 58 fixed on the rockshaft 5'5. The roller 51 is maintained in engagernent with the cam 56 bya spring pressed rod 69 one end of which is pivotally connected with thearm 68 and the opposite end of which is guided in any suitable manner onthe frame 5 of the machine. It will thus appear that the arm 58 is camoperated in one direction and spring operated in the opposite directionwhich causes rocking of the shaft 51 and raising and lowering of thedrop rollers (ill. When a sheet is fed into the machine onto the tapes48, the drop rollers 55 are raised whereupon they immediately lower toassist the feed roller 4? and said tapes in feed ing the sheet tofurther conveying means and to first sheet folding mechanism preferablyoperated and comprised by the following instrumentalities. Meshing withand driven by the gear 43 is a gear N (Fig. 2) disposed near the frame 1and journalled on a stay shaft l' I. This stay shaft H extendstransversely of the machine and is secured in any suitable manner on theframes 5 and l. The gear lil meshes with and drives a gear l2 secured onone end of a tape roller 13 and serving. .to drive the same. This taperoller 13 also extends transversely of the machine and is journalled insuitable bearings on the frames 5 and 1 thereof. Meshing with and drivenby the gear l2 is a gear i4 fixed on one end of another tape roller '55and serving to drive the same. This tape roller l5 extends transverselyof the machine in spaced parallel relation with the tape roller 13 andis journalled in suitable bearings on the frames 5 and 1. Fixed on theend of the roller opposite that carrying the gear 14 and disposedadjacent the frame 5 is a gear i6 (Fig. l) which meshes with and drivesan idler gear 11. This idler gear is journalled on a stub shaft 18secured to and projecting inwardly from the frame 5, and said idler gearmeshes with and drives a gear '15. The gear 19 is fixed on one end of afolding roller 85 (Fig. 2) which is thus driven by the idler gear H. Thefolding roller extends transversely of the machine and is journalled insuitable hearings on the frames 5 and l thereof. The gear 19 (Fig. l)meshes with a gear 8| fixed on one end of a folding roller 82 (Fig. 2)which is thus driven from the folding roller 55. The folding roller 82extends transversely of the machine in parallel relation with thefolding roller 80 and is journalled in suitable bearings on the frames 5and l. Rollers 80 and 52 cooperate in the folding of sheets and theirbearings may be relatively displaceable in the usual manner to enablesheets of various thicknesses to pass between said rollers.

Extending transversely of the machine above the rollers 85, 82 in spacedrelation therewith is a folding plate comprised by a fixed bar 83 and amovable bar 84 (Fig. 2). The bars 83 and 84 are supported in anysuitable manner on the frames 5 and l and as each sheet is fed forwardlyby the tapes d8 bar 34. is moved toward bar 33 to close the spacetherebetween and enable the sheet to pass thereover withoutinterference. After the sheet has passed over bars 83, 84 and moved intoproper position for folding, bar 84 moves away from bar 83. Thesemovements of bar 84 are preferably accomplished by means operated by andincluding the following instrumentalities.

Fixed on and driven by the shaft 55 is a cam 85 (Fig. 1) that isdisposed near the frame 5. This cam 85 has engaged therewith a roller 85jour nailed on an arm ill that is fixed on a rock shaft 88 extendingtransversely of the machine and journalled in suitable bearings on theframes 5 and 1 thereof. The roller 55 is maintained in engagement withcam 55 by a spring pressed rod (not shown) pivotally connected with arm8! and guided in any suitable manner on the frame 5 of the machine. Therock shaft 88 is thus cam operated in one direction and spring operatedin the opposite direction. Rock shaft 83 has secured on each end thereofan arm 58 (Fig. 2), and bar '64 has pivotally connected with each endthereof one end of a link ill] the opposite end of which is pivotallyconnected with the adjacent arm 89. It will thus appear that throughrocking of shaft 55 by the means described for this purpose, bar 84 willbe moved toward and away from bar 83 through the described connectionsfor the bar 84 with said shaft.

Each sheet is fed forwardly by tapes 48 over bars 33, 53 onto driventapes Sll (Figs. 2 and 2) that carry the sheet into position for foldingthereof between said bars and the rollers 55, 52. The tapes iii aredriven at the same surface speed as that of the tapes 23 and for thispurpose tapes 9! pass around a driven roller 52 and idler rollers 93.Roller 92 extends transversely of the machine and is journalled insuitable hearings on the frames 5 and 1 thereof. The roller 92 is drivenfrom roller 55 by gear l9 (Fig. l) which meshes with a gear 94 fixed onthe roller 52. Idler rollers 93 (Fig. 2 are journalled on arms 95 whichare adjustable lengthwise of the machine to maintain proper tension ontapes 9!.

For this purpose arms 95 are adjustably clamped on a bar 90 whichextends transversely of the machine and is secured in any suitablemanner on the frames and I.

The sheet is carried forwardly by the tapes 9I until its leading edgeengages front registering means which arrests the movement of the sheetand holds it in position for the making of 'a first transverse foldtherein as hereinafter described. This front registering means iscomprised by sheet stops or gage fingers 91 (Fig. 2*) extending inalinement transversely of the machine between the tapes 9I andprojecting below the upper reaches thereof. The stops or fingers 97 areadjustably mounted on a bar 90 extending transversely of the machine andmounted on and having screw threaded engagement with screw shafts 99.The shafts 99 are journalled in and held against displacement relativeto brackets I00 that are bolted or otherwise suitably secured on a barIN. This bar IOI extends transversely of the machine and has itsopposite ends secured in any suitable manner to the frames 0 and 8.Shafts 99 have fixed thereon hand wheels I02 and spiral gears I03.Spiral gears I03 mesh with spiral gears I04 that are fixed on a shaft I05 extending transversely of the machine and journalled in suitablebearings in the brackets I00.

The shaft I05 is made in two parts that may be connected or disconnectedby suitable means for this purpose (not shown). Upon such disconnectionof the parts of shaft I05 either of the hand wheels I02 may be operatedindependently of the other for similar operation of the shafts 99 andadjustment of the sheet stops or gage fingers 91. When the parts ofshaft I05 are connected shafts 99 may be simultaneously operated tolikewise adjust the fingers 97 and this is accomplished by a handle I00fixed on a short shaft I0I journalled in one of the brackets meshes witha gear I09 on one of the parts of shaft I05. The aforesaid adjustmentsof the stop or gage fingers 91 are made in accordance with the size ofthe sheet and to insure that regardless of its size it will be in properposition for making therein of the first or transverse fold. Assumingthat the stops or gage fingers 91 have been properly adjusted for themaking of the first or transverse fold in a given size sheet, theleading edge of said sheet fed forwardly by the tapes 9I engages thestops or gage fingers 91 and the sheet is thereby arrested and held inproper position for the making of said fold therein.

At this time the sheet is tucked between the bars 03, 84 and rollers 80,82 by a timed folding knife IIO (Fig. 2) and a first transverse fold isthus made in the sheet. The knife IIO extends transversely of themachine and is preferably operated by and mounted on the followinginstrumentalities. Fixed on and driven by shaft 05 is a cam III (Fig. 1)with which is engaged a roller H2. Cam III is located near frame 5 androller H2 is journalled on an arm I I3 likewise located. Arm H3 is fixedon a rock shaft I I4 extending transversely of the machine andjournalled in suitable bearings in the frames 5 and I thereof. Rockshaft II4 has fixed thereon an arm II5 having pivotally connectedtherewith one end of a spring pressed rod H0 the opposite end of whichis suitably guided in an opening in cross member I6. It will thus appearthat the arm II 3 and the rock shaft II4 are cam operated in onedirection and spring I00 and carrying a gear I00 whichoperated in theopposite direction. The opposite ends of shaft I I4 project outwardlyfrom frames 5 and I and fixed on the outwardly projecting ends of saidshaft exteriorly of said frames are arms I II. The arms II I havepivotally connected therewith the lower ends of adjustable links II8 theupper ends of which are pivotally connected with the lower ends ofslides I I9. The slides II9 are mounted for vertical reciprocatingmotion on the outer sides of frames 5 and I in guides I20 that arebolted or otherwise suitably secured to said frames. The knife 0 (Fig.2) is secured in any suitable manner on the upper ends of the slides II9 and the slides II9 are reciprocated vertically by the describedconnections therefor with rock shaft I I4 to raise and lower said knifeat proper intervals for folding of sheets in succession by the knife inconjunction with the bars 83, 04 and the rollers 80, 82.

Each sheet A having the fold B (Fig. 21) made therein by the knife H0and rollers 80, 82 is delivered by the latter between the tape roller I5and tapes I2I passing therearound (Figs. 2 and 2 The tapes I2I also passaround the driven tape roller I3, which serves to drive said tapes, andaround idler rollers I22 and I23 and weighted tape tightening rollersI24. The idler rollers I22 and I23 extend transversely of the machineand are journalled in any suitable manner in the frames 0, 8 and 5, I,respectively. The weighted tape tensioning rollers I24 are journalled onarms I25 that carry weights I20, the arms I25 'being loosely mounted ona stay shaft I2I which extends transversely of the machine and issecured in any suitable manner on the frames 5 and I.

The once folded sheets are fed in succession by the tapes I2I over aslotted die plate I28, a slotted fold plate I 29 and longitudinallyextending laterally spaced sheet supporting bars I30 (Fig. 2 intoposition for the action of timed perforating mechanism hereinafterdescribed and which acts to perforate each once folded sheettransversely and through the double thickness thereof along the line C(Fig. 21) where a second fold in said sheet is to be made. The die plateI28 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured on a bar I3I which extendstransversely of the machine and is bolted or otherwise suitably securedon the frames 6 and 8. The fold plate I29 likewise extends transverselyof the machine forwardly of and in slightly spaced relation with dieplate I28 and said fold plate is bolted or otherwise suitably secured onthe frames 0 and 8. The sheet supporting bars I30 are clamped orotherwise suitably secured in position on a bar I32 which extendstransversely of the machine and, in turn, is bolted or otherwisesuitably secured on the frames 6 and 0. Bars I30 are further supportedby the fold plate I29 on which the rear ends of said bars rest.

Extending in alinement, transversely of the machine and projectingdownwardly between the bars I30 are stops o-r gage fingers I 33. Thesestops or gage fingers have reciprocating motion longitudinally of themachine. At the limit of their rearward movement, indicated in dottedlines in Fig. 2 the stops or fingers I33 act to engage the leadingfolded edge of the once folded sheet fed onto bars I30 by tapes I 2| andtemporarily stop said sheet for the action thereon of the timed sheetperforating mechanism above referred to.

The stops or gage fingers I33 are preferably operated by and mountedon'the following in strumentalities. Located adjacent the upper end ofthe center support 30 (Fig. 2 and fixed on and driven by the maindriving shaft 29 is a small gear I34. This small gear I34 meshes withand drives a large gear I35 that is fixed on and drives a shaft I35extending transversely of the machine and journalled in suitablebearings in the frame 3 and the center support 30. Fixed on and drivenby the shaft I38 is a small gear I31 which meshes with and drives alarge gear I38. This large gear I33 is fixed on and. drives a cam shaftI39 extending transversely of the machine and journalled in suitablebearings in the frame 6, the center support 30, and the frame 8. Fixedon and driven by the shaft I39 is a cam I40 (Fig. 1 that engages aroller I4I journalled on one arm I42 of a bell crank I43 that isjournalled on a rock shaft I44 extending transversely of the machine andjournalled in any suitable manner on the frames 6 and 8 thereof.

The other arm I45 of bell crank I43 has pivotally connected therewithone end of a link I48 the opposite end of which is pivotally connectedwith an arm I41 fixed on a rock shaft I48 (Figs. i 2 and 3) extendingtransversely of the ma.- chine and journalled in suitable bearings inthe frames 8 and 8 thereof. This rock shaft I48 has fixed thereon an armI49 to which is pivotally connected the upper end of a spring pressedrod I50 the lower end of which is guided in a suitable opening formed inthe cross member 22. It will thus appear that the shaft I48 is camoperated in one direction and spring operated in the opposite directionthrough the described connections for said shaft with the cam I40 androd I50. Fixed on and rocked by the shaft I48 are arms I5I connected asat I52 (Fig. 2 with threaded rods I53 and imparting reciprocating motionthereto. The rods I53 are slidably mounted in bearings I54, I55 boltedor otherwise suitably secured to the cross member II at the rear andfront thereof respectively. Mounted on and having threaded engagementwith the rods I53 are brackets I58 the lower ends of which have boltedor otherwise suitably secured thereto a bar I51 extending transverselyof the machine above the laterally spaced supports I30. The stops orgage fingers I33 are clamped or otherwise suitably secured on the barI51 and it will thus appear that through reciprocating motion impartedto the rods I53, similar motion is imparted to the bar I51 and the stopsor gage fingers I33.

The rods I53 are provided with hand wheels I58 for turning said rods andthereby adjusting the position of the stops or gage fingers I33 thereon.Either of the hand wheels I58 may be employed to adjust the stops orgage fingers I33 on the rods I53 and for this purpose both rods areconnected by gearing comprising the follow ing elements. The rods I53slide through and are keyed to spiral gears I59 which mesh with similargears I50 fixed on a shaft I6I. This shaft it! extends transversely ofthe machine and is journalled in suitable bearings on the brackets I55.It will thus appear that motion imparted to one rod I53 by turning itshand wheel I58 will be imparted to the other rod throughthe describedgearing therebetween and that both rods will be turned to adjust thestops or gage fingers I33 through the described threaded connections fortheir brackets I55 with said rods.

Assuming now that the stops or gage fingers I 33' havebeen movedrearwardly by the described means for this purpose to their dotted lineposition shown in Fig. 2 and that the once folded sheet has been carriedforward by the tapes I2I to engage its leading and folded edge with saidstops or gage fingers, said sheet is temporarily arrested by the stopsor gage fingers and per forated transversely thereof along the line C(Fig. 21) where subsequently a second fold is made in the sheet. Thisperforating operation is accomplished through the medium of mechanismpreferably operated and comprised by the following instrumentalities.

Fixed on and driven by the shaft I39 is a cam E32 (Fig. 1a) whichengages a roller I33 journalled on an arm I54 fixed on a rock shaft I55extending transversely of the machine and journalled in suitablebearings on the frame 6, the center support 30, and the frame 8. Rockshaft I35 also has fixed thereon an arm I66 having pivotally connectedtherewith one end of a spring pressed rod I61 (Fig. l) the opposite endof which is guided in a suitable opening in cross member IE. It willthus appear that the rock shaft IE5 is cam operated in one direction andspring operated in the opposite direction through the describedconnections for said shaft with the cam I82 and the rod I51.

The rock shaft I65 projects outwardly beyond the frames 5 and 8 andfixed on the outwardly projecting ends of said shaft exteriorly of saidframes are arms I68 (Figs. 1 and 3). These arms I88 are rocked by theshaft I65 and thereby impart vertical motion to adjustable rods I39having their lower ends pivotally connected with said arms. The upperendsof the rods I59 are pivotally connected with slides I10 that arevertically reciprocated by said rods and slidably mounted in guides I1Ibolted or otherwise suitably secured to the frames 6 and 8. Extendingtransversely of the machine through suitable vertical-elongated openingsin the frames 6 and 8 thereof are heads I12 (Fig. 2 that are bolted orotherwise suitably secured to the slides I10 and are verticallyreciprocated thereby. These heads I12 have bolted or otherwise suitablysecured thereto a timed perforator'bar I13 which extends transversely ofthe machine above the slot in the die plate I28. Secured in any suitablemanner in the under side of bar I13 and extending therealong inalinement with the slot in die plate I23 are perforator blades I14.These blades I14 are also alined with the slot between transverselyextending spring controlled sheet clamps I15 mounted on the perforatorbar I13 at opposite sides thereof.

Vertical and timed reciprocating motion of the slides I10 impartedthereto by the described means for this purpose imparts like motion tothe bar I13, the blades I14, and the sheet clamps I15 and when the oncefolded sheet has been fed by tapes I2I across die plate I28 and bars I39into engagement with the rearwardly positioned sheet stop .or gagefingers I33 the bar I13 descends and the blades I14 perforate the sheettransverselythereof through its double thickness along the line C (Fig.21) where a second fold D is to be made therein by a folding knifehereinafter described and which is raised at the time the perforatingoperation takes place.

Upon descent of the bar I13 the clamps I15 engage the sheet and clamp itagainst the die plate I28 to insure against displacement of the sheetduring the perforating operation. When the perforator bar I13 rises, theclamps I15'first continueto bear on the sheet and strip it from theblades I14 whereupon said clamps rise with the bar I13 so that the nextsheet to be perforated may pass under the perforating mechanism intoposition for action thereof on said sheet.

The bar I51 has mounted thereon in transverse alinement with the stopsor gage fingers I33, a plurality of grippers I16 (Fig. 2 disposedbetween certain of the sheet supporting bars I30 and each comprised by afixed lower jaw I11 and a movable upper jaw I18. These grippers I16 areof well known construction operated by well known means such, forexample, as disclosed in United States Patent No. 1,938,401 grantedDecember 5, 1933 and needing no detail description herein. It issuificient to say that in the rearmost position of the stops or gagefingers 133 the grippers I16 are open and the leading folded edge of theonce folded sheet passes between the jaws of said grippers intoengagement with the stops or fingers I33. After the sheet hasbeen-perforated the grippers I16 close and grip the sheet whereupon thestops or fingers I33 and the grippers are moved by the described stop orgage finger operating means to their forward position, the gripperscarrying the sheet along with the stops until the line of perforations C(Fig. 21) in the sheet is disposed immediately over the transverselyextending slot of fold plate I29 (Fig- 2 At this time grippers I18 areopened and the sheet is side registered by suitable means for thispurpose (not shown). Thereupon a second fold D (Fig. 21) is made in thesheet on the line of perforations C and parallel with the first fold B,by folding mechanism which is preferably operated and comprised by thefollowing instrumentalities.

The gear 35 (Fig. 1 meshes with and drives a gear I19 disposedexteriorly of the frame 8 and fixed on the outwardly projecting shaft ofa folding roller I (Fig. 2 which extends transversely of the machine andis journalled in suitable bearings on the frames 9 and 8 thereof. Theroller I89 is thus driven from the gear 35 by gear I19. Fixed on theroller I80 interiorly of and adjacent the frame 8 is a gear I8I whichmeshes with and drives a gear I82 that is fixed on a folding roller I 83extending transversely of the machine and journalled in suitablebearings on the frames 8 and 8 thereof. The roller I83 is thus drivenfrom the gear I8! by the gear I92. The bite of the rollers I80, I83 isdisposed directly below the transversely extending slot in the foldplate I29.

Fixed on and rotated by the shaft I39 is a cam I84 (Fig. 1 that engagesa roller I85 journalled on an arm I 86 that is fixed on a rock shaft I81extending transversely of the machine and journalled in suitablebearings on the frame 0, the center support 30 and the frame 8. The rockshaft I81 has fixed thereon an arm I88 having pivotally connectedtherewith one end of a spring pressed rod I89 (Fig. 1) the opposite endof which is guided in a suitable opening formed in the cross member I6.It will thus appear that the rock shaft I91 is cam operated in onedirection and spring operated in the opposite direction through thedescribed connections for said shaft with the cam I84 and the rod I89.

The rock shaft I81 projects outwardly beyond the frames 6 and 8, andfixed on the outwardly projecting ends of said shaft exteriorly of saidframes and rocked by the shaft are arms I (Figs. 1 and 3). The arms I90have pivotally connected therewith the lower ends of adjustable rods I9Iwhich are reciprocated vertically by said arms and have their upper endspivotally connected with slides I93 (Fig. 1 which are thus reciprocatedvertically by said rods. The slides 592 are mounted in the guides HI,and projecting through suitable vertical elongated openings in theframes 6 and 8 are heads I93 (Fig. 2 which are bolted or otherwisesuitably secured to said slides and reciprocated vertically thereby.

Extending transversely of the machine and bolted or otherwise suitablysecured to the heads E93 is a timed folding knife I94 disposed above andin alinement with the slot in the folding plate I29 and the bite of thefolding rollers I80 and I83. The knife I94 is thus reciprocatedvertically by the slides I92. The once folded sheet, as previouslydescribed, is perforated trans versely whereupon the grippers I16 andthe sheet stops I33 move forwardly, the grippers being closed andpulling the sheet into position under the knife I99 so that the line ofperforations C (Fig. 21) across the sheet is in vertical alinement withsaid knife. The grippers I10 are then released from. the sheet whereuponit is side registered by suitable means for this purpose (not shown) andthe knife I94 descends and makes a second fold D in the sheet along theline of perforations C by forcing the sheet downwardly through the slotin fold plate I29 into the bite of the folding rollers I80 and I83. Theknife I94 then rises whereupon the twice folded sheet is delivered bythe folding rolls I80, I83 to mechanism which cuts the folded sheet intoa plurality of folded sections herein shown'as comprised by two outersections I and two inner sections 2 (Fig. 21). This sheet cuttingmechanism is preferably operated.- and comprised by the followinginstrumentalities.

Rotatably mounted in the frame 6, the center support 30 and the frame 8is a shaft I95 (Figs. 2 and 3) having fixed thereon a frame indicatedbroadly at I96 and including arms I91 which normally stand vertically inthe illustrated full line positions thereof. The cutting mechanism isdriven from the gear I8I (Fig. 2 on folding roller I80 and for thispurpose said gear meshes with and normally drives a gear I98 journalledin any suitable manner near the frame 8 on one of the arms I91 at thetop thereof. The gear I98 meshes with and drives a gear I99 that isfixed on a shaft 200 extending transversely of the machine andjournalled in suitable bearings on the arms I91. This shaft 200 hasfixed thereon and driven thereby rubber tired feed wheels 20I and pairsof metal collars (not shown) of the same diameter as said feed wheels,the collars of each pair being slightly spaced apart for the rotationtherebetween of cutters hereinafter described.

The gear I99 meshes with and drives a gear 202 (Fig. 5) which is fixedon a shaft 203 extending transversely of the machine and journalled insuitable bearings on the arms I91. This shaft 203 has fixed on androtated thereby rubber tired feed wheels 2114 cooperating with the feedwheels 2m, and serrated cutters 205 extending in the spaces between thepairs of metal collars above referred to that are fixed on and rotatedby the shaft 200. The twice folded sheet is fed downwardly, with itsfolded edge D leading, between the feed wheels MI, 204 which furtherfeed said sheet downwardly during which time the sheet is out into fourfolded sections I, I and 2, 2 (Fig. 21) that are received and fedforwardly in the machine by means for this purpose hereinafterdescribed.

The machine is capable of feeding and foldin sheets of various sizes andfor producing four twice folded and cut sections from each twice foldedsheet regardless of its size. The feed wheels 29 I, 2%, the cuttercollars, and the cutters 2% are therefore adjustable along theirrespective shafts to positions thereon determined by the particular sizeof the sheet and the particular size of the folded and cut sectionsproduced therefrom. For this purpose, as well as for the purpose ofreplacing the cutters 205 when they become worn or dull, the frame I andall parts carried thereby may be swung rearwardly to inoperativepositions thereof shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2* at which time theaforesaid adjustments and replacements may be made. Means areaccordingly provided for swinging frame I96 and the parts carriedthereby to operative and inoperative positions and for locking the frameand parts in their operative positions. Said means are preferablycomprised by the following instrumentalities.

The center support 39 (Figs. 2 and 3 has formed. integrally therewith atthe top thereof a rearwardly projecting lug 296 on which is bolted orotherwise suitably secured a downwardly and rearwardly inclined bracket201 having journalled therein a similarly inclined shaft 268 projectingfrom said bracket above and below the same. This shaft 268 has fixed onthe lower projecting end thereof a hand wheel 299 provided with a handle2 i0. Shaft 208 also has fixed on its lower projecting end between thebracket 20'! and the hand wheel 2139 a collar 2!! provided on itsperiphery with a shoulder 2 I2 (Fig. 4) with which is normally engaged adetent 2I3 secured to or formed integrally with a lever 2I4 that ispivoted at 2E5 on the underside of bracket 201. Lever 2 It is springpressed in any suitable manner toward the shaft 298 to normally maintaindetent H3 in engagement with shoulder 2I2 of collar 2H and thus preventaccidental turning of said shaft. Fixed on the upwardly projecting endof shaft 263 is a worm. 2H5 which meshes with the teeth of an arcuateshaped rack 2II that is fixed on the rotatable shaft I95 to which theframe E96 is secured.

When it is desired to adjust the feeding and cutting elements on shafts2E0, 203, the lever 2M is operated to disengage detent 2I3 from theshoulder M2 on collar 2II. The wheel 209 is then turned by handle 2H1 inthe proper direction to rotate shaft 298 and Worm 2I6 so that rack 2I'I,shaft IE5 and frame I95 are swung rearwardly to bring said frame and theparts carried thereby to the inoperative positions thereof shown indotted lines in Fig. 2 It will be recalled that the gear I98 isjournalled on one of the arms I91 of frame I96, and it will thus appearthat when said frame is swung rearwardly as described the gear I88 willswing with it, thus breaking the drive for the feeding and cuttingmechanism on frame I95 with the gear I8I on folding roller I80. In orderto prevent excess rearward swinging movement of frame I96 and the partscarried thereby, rack ZII has bolted or otherwise suitably secured onthe top and front thereof a stop 2I8 which, when the frame is swung toits inoperative position, will engage the upper end of shaft 238 andprevent further rearward swinging movement of said frame and the partscarried thereby.

Adjustment of the parts on shafts 200, 263

having been made, wheel 209 is rotated by handle 2IIl in the properdirection so that worm 2I6 actuates rack 2| I to swing frame I96 and theparts carried thereby forwardly to the operative positions thereof shownin full lines in Fig. 2 In swinging said frame and parts to theiroperative positions, the forward upper ends of arms I91 engage stop pins2I9 threaded and adjustably secured in a stay shaft 220 extendingtransverse- 1y of the machine and secured in any suitable manner in theframes 6 and 8 thereof. Upon engagement of arms I91 with stop pins 259further turning effort on wheel 2B9 creates torque on shaft I95 and thedetent 2I3 engages shoulder 2E2 automatically by the spring pressure oflever 2M which is exerted thereon. Upon swinging movement of the frameI96 and parts carried thereby to their operative positions, gear I93engages gear I8I and thus reestablishes the driving connections for thefeeding and cutting mechanism on frame I95 with the folding roller I80.The torque, above referred to, produced on shaft I95 and engagement ofdetent 2I3 with shoulder 212 thus hold the parts on frame I96 positivelyin operative positions and positively maintain the driving connectionsfor said parts with the folding roller IBI].

It will be recalled that, as stated above, upon cutting of the twicefolded sheet into four sections said sections are delivered to means forconveying them forwardly in the machine. This conveying means ispreferably operated and comprised by the following instrumentalities.The gear 35 meshes with and drives a gear 22I (Figs. 1 and 3) disposedexteriorly of the frame 6 and fixed on a shaft 222 which extendstransversely of the machine and is journalled in suitable bearings inthe frames 6 and 8 thereof. Shaft 222 has keyed to, adjustabletherealong, and driven thereby upper and outer tape rollers 223 (Figs.3, 5 and 7) each provided intermediate its opposite ends with an annulargroove 224. Engaged in the grooves 224 of rollers 223 are the arcuateupper ends of roller shifting brackets 225 (Fig. '7) that are bolted orotherwise suitably secured on outer carriage 226 (Figs. 3, 5, 6 and '7)extending longitudinally of the machine at the front thereof andadjustable transversely of the machine by means for this purposehereinafter described. Each carriage 225 is provided at the rear thereofin its underside with a transversely extending slot 221 (Fig. 7) andeach carriage is provided at the front thereof in its underside with atransversely extending slot 228 the forward wall of which is beveled asindicated at 229.

Extending transversely of the machine and bolted or otherwise suitablysecured thereto is an I-beam 23!] (Figs. 2 and '7). Disposed forwardlyof the I-beam 23!! in spaced parallel relation therewith is an I-beam21%| (Figs. 2 6 and 7) that extends transversely of the machine and isbolted or otherwise suitably secured to the frames 6 and 8 thereof. TheI-beam 23I has its front forward face bevelled as indicated at 232. Thecarriages 226 are slidably mounted on the I- beams 230, 23I foradjustment therealong transversely of the machine, the grooves 221 ofsaid carriages being engaged over the top of I-beam 230 and the grooves228 of the carriages being engaged over the top of I-beam 23f with thebevelled edges 229 and 232 in abutting relation.

Fixed on and driven by the shaft 222 is a gear 233 (Fig. 3) disposednear the frame 5 interiorly thereof. This gear 233 meshes with anddrives a gear 234 that is fixed on and drives a shaft 235

